By Dr. Collins Ogbu, SSA to the Governor of Enugu State on Strategic Communications
In what many observers described as one of the most symbolic political gatherings in recent times, leading stakeholders from Enugu State North Senatorial Zone paid a grand thank-you visit to Peter Mbah, celebrating a leadership they said has restored dignity, fairness, and visible development to the Nsukka cultural bloc. The atmosphere was charged with appreciation, solidarity, and a sense of historical vindication as elders, traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, youth groups, women leaders, and community representatives assembled to honour a governor they described as one who governs every part of Enugu State with equal commitment. For many in attendance, the visit was more than a routine political engagement. It was a public acknowledgement that governance can still be driven by justice rather than prejudice, by measurable results rather than empty promises, and by inclusion rather than sectional calculations. Speaker after speaker recalled years in which the people of Enugu North felt overlooked in strategic appointments and developmental priorities, noting that the present administration had altered that narrative in less than one term. They declared that gratitude is a noble duty, and that when a leader performs exceptionally, the people must speak clearly and boldly.
At the heart of the appreciation was the historic appointment of Professor Simon Ortuanya as the first indigenous Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka since the institution was founded 65 years ago. Stakeholders said generations of Nsukka sons and daughters had excelled in academia, administration, research, and public service, yet the office had remained elusive to an indigene of the host community. They praised Governor Mbah for helping to facilitate an outcome that rewarded merit while correcting a long-standing historical imbalance. According to the speakers, the emergence of Professor Ortuanya was not merely about one appointment but about recognition of excellence, respect for host-community sensibilities, and renewed confidence in meritocratic leadership. They said younger generations in Nsukka would now see that excellence can be rewarded and that history is not permanently fixed against any people. Many described the moment as one that would be remembered for decades in the intellectual and political history of the zone.
The delegation also praised Governor Mbah for demonstrating uncommon statesmanship through the befitting state burial accorded to Senator Okey Ezea, despite the late senator belonging to an opposition party. They noted that in a deeply polarized political climate, many leaders only celebrate allies and ignore opponents, but Governor Mbah chose the higher path of honouring service and respecting the dead irrespective of party affiliation. They said the gesture sent a powerful message across Enugu State that politics should never erase humanity, and that public service deserves recognition beyond partisan lines. In their view, such conduct deepens democratic maturity, reduces bitterness, and shows citizens that leadership can be compassionate even in competition. Several speakers insisted that the burial honour elevated the moral tone of governance in the state.
On the health and education front, the stakeholders commended the transformation of State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) into a teaching hospital, describing it as a strategic investment whose benefits would outlive the present administration. They noted that the appointment of 70 professors to the medical college signaled seriousness, institutional depth, and a determination to build a centre of excellence rather than a ceremonial project. They explained that a teaching hospital does more than provide treatment; it attracts specialists, trains future doctors, stimulates research, creates jobs, and boosts local economies through housing, commerce, and professional services. For the Nsukka zone, they said, this development would reduce medical tourism to distant cities, improve healthcare outcomes, and place the area prominently on Nigeria’s academic and medical map.
Education reforms received equally passionate commendation. The delegation noted that Enugu North received *102 Smart Green Schools*, surpassing the 77 allocated to Enugu East and the 79 allocated to Enugu West. They said the numbers alone were significant, but the deeper value lies in what the schools represent: digital learning, modern classrooms, science and technology readiness, improved teacher productivity, and a new future for rural children who historically studied in neglected environments. Stakeholders emphasized that a child in a remote community deserves the same learning environment as a child in any urban centre, and that Governor Mbah’s policy appears built on that principle. They argued that these schools would help close inequality gaps, reduce migration pressures, and produce a generation prepared for a technology-driven economy. In their words, “a zone that receives modern schools receives a modern future.”
The same applause greeted the construction of 102 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres across Enugu North. They said no reform touches the lives of ordinary people faster than accessible healthcare. Mothers needing antenatal care, children requiring immunization, accident victims needing urgent attention, and elderly citizens managing chronic conditions all stand to benefit directly from functioning local health centres. According to the stakeholders, this intervention would save countless lives in communities where residents previously traveled long distances for basic treatment. They noted that modern primary care reduces disease burden, lowers emergency complications, and gives poor families a dignified first point of care. To them, the scale of the health investment confirmed that the administration understands governance at the grassroots level.
Transport reforms were also highlighted as evidence of practical leadership. The stakeholders commended the Nsukka interchange terminal and the deployment of affordable CNG buses connecting Nsukka to Enugu metropolis. They said the initiative has eased movement for workers, traders, students, civil servants, and families who commute frequently between both urban centres. They further observed that cheaper transport costs translate directly into household relief, increased business margins, and greater regional integration. When transport becomes predictable and affordable, productivity rises. Markets become more accessible, students arrive earlier, workers save time, and small businesses gain new customers. They described the policy as a silent but powerful economic reform.
Road infrastructure drew some of the loudest commendations. The ongoing dualisation of the *Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka Road* was described as one of the most consequential projects in the region because of its strategic importance. The road links Nsukka to Enugu capital, serves traffic moving across the South East, and functions as an important corridor toward Northern Nigeria. Stakeholders said beyond reducing travel time, the road would lower vehicle maintenance costs, reduce accidents, encourage investment along the route, and increase land values in adjoining communities. Farmers, transporters, students, manufacturers, and travelers all stand to benefit from a modernized corridor capable of supporting larger economic activity.
They also praised the near-completed *Ama-Olo–Iwollo–Ezeagu–Umulokpa Road*, which connects Uzo-Uwani to Enugu West and Enugu East. They described the project as one that heals geographical isolation and integrates communities that once struggled with poor access, especially during rainy seasons. The stakeholders noted that roads of this nature are often underestimated until completed. Once operational, farm produce reaches markets faster, emergency vehicles move easier, teachers accept rural postings more willingly, and private investors begin to consider areas previously deemed inaccessible. In that sense, they said, roads are not just concrete; they are pathways to prosperity.
Equally celebrated was the 40km Owo–Amankanu–Isi-Uzo–Obollo Afor Dual Carriageway, which they described as a gateway project opening a major economic corridor to Northern Nigeria. They noted that any serious state seeking industrial growth must invest in logistics corridors, and that this road fits squarely into that vision. By improving movement of goods and people, they said the corridor would strengthen trade networks, reduce transport bottlenecks, attract warehousing and agro-processing investments, and position Enugu as a stronger commercial bridge between southern and northern markets.
The stakeholders further applauded the Governor for helping many Nsukka sons rise into strategic national appointments, specifically mentioning Peter Eze and Ogbo Asogwa. They said representation matters because it gives capable people opportunities to serve while ensuring broader inclusion in national decision-making spaces. They also praised the growing profile of Enugu Air, saying it symbolizes confidence, connectivity, and a modern economic outlook. Alongside this, they commended the revival of state assets such as Nigergas, UPPL, Sunrise Flour Mills, and Hotel Presidential, arguing that dormant public assets should create jobs and revenue rather than remain monuments to neglect.
They equally pointed to flagship projects including the International Conference Centre, ICC Hotel, Enugu International Hospital, the New Enugu Smart City, and thousands of completed or ongoing projects statewide. To them, these are signs of a government attempting to modernize the economy while upgrading quality of life. In a strong political declaration, the people of Enugu North vowed to support Governor Mbah for re-election, insisting that no administration had done as much for the zone in recorded memory. They said support must follow performance, and that continuity is often necessary when reforms are still unfolding.
Speaking for the traditional institution, Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, presented cows and kola nuts and announced that Enugu North would purchase the Governor’s nomination form at the mega rally scheduled for 2nd May 2026. He declared that the Governor had discharged himself creditably and deserved renewed trust. Responding, Governor Peter Mbah thanked the delegation warmly and said his administration rejects discriminatory sectionalism. He explained that Enugu North received the largest share of Smart Schools and Type-2 Hospitals because fairness required allocation in line with ward distribution and need, not personal political advantage.
He reminded the gathering that although Enugu East is his own zone, it has fewer wards than Enugu North, and it would have been easy, but wrong, to skew projects toward personal geography. He assured the people that Enugu North occupies a prime place in his heart and promised more roads, more infrastructure, and more strategic investments. The Governor also addressed concerns around urban renewal, noting that while modernization sometimes causes temporary displacement, the long-term gains are already visible. He said new ultra-modern international markets with sufficient shop spaces are being developed to accommodate affected traders and stimulate stronger commercial ecosystems.
Present at the event were Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, (former) Deputy Governor Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi, (Former) President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, John Nnia Nwodo, Vice Chancellor of UNN, Professor Simon Ortuanya; Ambassador Justina Eze, Chief Maxi Ukwuta, Barr. Ajogwu (SAN), Dr. Dan Shere, Engr. Chief Vita Abba, Chukwuka Utazi, former Speakers Barr. Eugene Odo and Rt. Hon. Chinedu Nwamba, Hon. Ezenta Ezeani, lawmakers, party leaders, council chairmen, aides, and a broad cross-section of leaders from the six local government areas of Enugu North. Ultimately, the visit was not simply ceremonial. It was a collective verdict from a people who believe they have been recognized, included, and meaningfully served. In their gratitude was a message: when leadership delivers visible justice and measurable progress, the people do not remain silent.